I don’t know how many times I have heard someone say: “If Bob were ever saved, just think how God could use him.” Such sentimental reasoning is far from the heart of God. For example, if we were to use this reasoning as our standard, we would determine that Jesus missed a really big opportunity when he was approached by the rich young ruler and sent him packing (Mth. 19:16ff; Mark 10:17-30; Luke 18:18-30). Recall that this wanna-be disciple would first have to sell all that he had, give it to the poor, and then come after Jesus (Mth. 19:21). I wonder how we would respond to the same situation today. Would we contact him and ask him to be on our board of directors, serve as a deacon, or teach a class on finances? After all, we would reason, just think of what God could accomplish with that young man’s money! And maybe, in due time, as this young man served and taught and led in God’s Church, he might actually get converted and get really committed.

Nothing could be further from the heart of God or His discipleship plan.

Yes, Jesus loved this man (Mark 10:21). Jesus invited him to become a disciple, but not because of what he could bring to the table. If we were to investigate the kind of people Jesus chose to be His disciples we would learn that Jesus never chose anyone for their gift, but because of their character. God chooses common people to do uncommon things by His Holy Spirit and His process.

So, what kind of men did Jesus choose to invest 3-year’s of His life so that they could start His church?
• They had no financial clout.
• They had no formal theological training.
• They were young men.
• They were middle class citizens. For instance, Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen (Mark 1:16-20). Matthew was a government employee (Matthew 5:27). With the possible exception of Judas, they were Galileans. In other words, they were considered plain old country boys (Acts 4:13).
• They were a very diverse group ranging from Peter’s brashness and Thomas’ hesitancies to Matthew’s political conservatism and Simon’s radicalism.
• They were men after God’s own heart.
• They realized the emptiness of religion and longed for a real relationship.
• They were open to the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• They most likely would not make the front cover of today’s leading Christian magazines, talk shows, or conference circuits.

What we learn is that Jesus did not choose these men because of what they could do for Him, but what He could do through them.

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:27).

Grow in grace and truth,

Doug Morrell

CORE Notes From Doug